What It Means For Sustainability

A two-decade analysis shows that sustainable shark trade depends on collaborative global governance, improved traceability, and science-based catch limits, led by strong EU regulatory frameworks.

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The global shark meat trade is… complex, to say the least. Sharks are caught, processed, and traded across continents, with millions of pounds of meat and fins moving through international markets every year. While much public attention focuses on the trade in shark fins, which are prized in some Asian cuisines, the global trade in shark meat itself presents its own unique challenges. A recent study that analyzed two decades of shark product trade data reveals that shark meat and shark fins follow different patterns on the world stage, and the routes they travel reflect not only cultural preferences but logistical and political realities.

When it comes to shark meat, several European Union countries emerge as key players (most notably Spain, Portugal, and Italy). These countries act as more than just mere final destinations for shark meat consumption, operating as critical hubs that receive products from around the world, process them, and send them onward to other markets. Spain, for example, is often cited as one of the world’s largest shark fishing nations, and much of the meat landed there is exported across Europe and beyond. Portugal and Italy, two countries that have deep culinary traditions involving seafood, also import significant quantities for domestic markets. They also function as logistical stepping stones in a much wider trade web. South American countries like Uruguay and Brazil are similarly embedded in the network, not only catching and consuming sharks locally, but also exporting meat to Europe, Asia, and other parts of the Americas. In essence, these countries serve as a sort of connective tissue between producers and consumers in distant regions, helping products cross multiple borders before ever reaching a dinner plate.

A worker sorts out shark fins at a warehouse in Hong Kong. AFP PHOTO/Laurent FIEVET (Photo credit should read LAURENT FIEVET/AFP via Getty Images)

AFP via Getty Images

On the other hand, the trade in shark fins tells a different story. This one is far more centralized and tightly clustered around a handful of Asian markets, with Hong Kong and Singapore standing out as the major nodes in this network… and for good reason. Historically, Hong Kong has been the world’s leading hub for shark fins, with products flowing in from all corners of the globe (including Latin America, Africa, and Oceania). While some of these fins are consumed locally, much is re-exported to mainland China and other parts of Asia. Singapore, too, also acts as both a major importer and a redistribution point, largely thanks to its status as a global shipping and trade center. But why this concentration? That answer most likely lies in the cultural value of shark fins in certain Asian cuisines, especially in dishes like shark fin soup. Because so much of the trade funnels through just a few markets, policy changes in those locations — whether it’s improved traceability requirements or outright bans — can have outsized global impacts. That concentrated influence brings with it significant responsibility to ensure that all shark fins entering or leaving those markets are sourced legally and sustainably, with clear documentation and adherence to international agreements like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, known as CITES.

That’s the crux of the matter: traceability is one of the biggest challenges facing the global shark meat trade. Because shark products can change hands multiple times and cross several borders, it becomes difficult to track their origin. Without proper traceability mechanisms, it is easy for illegally caught sharks or those from unsustainable fisheries to enter the supply chain. This issue is worsened by inconsistent regulatory frameworks across countries, allowing loopholes that can be exploited. Sustainability is another pressing concern, with many shark populations around the world are in decline due to overfishing and habitat loss. Sharks grow slowly and have low reproductive rates, which makes them vulnerable to overexploitation. The global demand for both meat and fins puts additional pressure on their survival.

For a trade as wide-reaching as this, improved monitoring tools and coordinated international cooperation are essential. Stronger enforcement of science-based catch limits and for listing vulnerable shark species under CITES is a start, along with policy solutions that focus on the critical roles of different regions in this network. The European Union, with its significant influence and regulatory power, is well positioned to lead improvements in sustainability standards and legal enforcement, for example. By strengthening regulations on shark meat imports and exports, improving transparency, and adopting stringent catch reporting requirements, the EU can set a global example. Similarly, South American countries involved in transfer and redistribution need to adopt ethical practices and improve traceability within their borders. Meanwhile, Asian markets, especially those central to the shark fin trade, must address their impact on shark populations through strict control measures.

The bottom line is that this global issue cannot be solved by any single country acting alone. Collaborative efforts across continents are crucial. That means improved data sharing, harmonized regulations, and shared commitments to sustainability will be the pillars of any successful strategy. Consumers also have a role to play by demanding transparency with their seafood and opting for options that are sourced from well-managed fisheries. With the combined efforts of governments, industry, scientists, and consumers, it is possible to steer the shark meat trade towards sustainability. We just need the right captain to lead the way. Will it be the EU?

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